Emerging as the frontrunner and the most efficient container terminal in West Africa, Meridian Port Services Ltd (MPS) is gearing up with increased capacity and capabilities at Tema Port’s Terminal 3. This remarkable achievement is made possible by the shareholders’ investments and the implementation of cutting-edge port technology that gives MPS Terminal 3 at Tema Port a significant competitive edge.

Under the tropical sun, a scene of seamless activity unfolds from the vantage point of Mr. Mohamed Samara’s office, the CEO of MPS. Vessels dock alongside, loading and unloading from and onto trucks transporting containers. This operation harmoniously interacts with the port’s advanced container handling equipment and imposing cranes. MPS’s meticulous planning and monitoring direct trucks to specific lanes within the terminal matrix, facilitating efficient container drop-off and pick-up. Safety remains a top priority, with truck drivers securely positioned within their cabins. This practice ensures that precisely orchestrated crane movements encounter no disruptions, digitally guided by the Terminal Operating System (NAVIS N4) using Differential Global Positioning Systems implemented at MPS.

MPS embarked on its journey in 2007, establishing itself as a specialized container terminal. Mr. Samara explains, “We are a joint venture involving Africa Global Logistics (AGL), APM Terminals, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. Our operations span four berths (1,400m), accommodating vessels with up to 400m LOA and a 16-meter draft, and we have a sprawling one-million-square-meter container stacking yard.”

Driven by rising market demand, MPS has consistently pursued greater capacity, resulting in the progressive addition of infrastructure. The phase 2 expansion includes an increase from 9 to 12 ship-to-shore cranes on the waterfront and from 29 to 41 electric rubber-tyred gantry (eRTG) cranes in the yard. These additional 15 gantry cranes will significantly boost operational output and capacity for both gateway and waterfront traffic. Therefore, a 270,000 square meter container storage yard expansion is also underway to complement the amplified waterfront capacity.

The investment in these 15 gantry cranes amounts to approximately 62 million US Dollars, covering assembly, inspection, commissioning, duties, and connectivity to the Terminal Operating System & networks. Work on the 2^nd Phase is expected to be completed within two years. This endeavour will transform Ghana’s Tema Port into the region’s maritime hub and the most efficient comprehensive port services hub on the African continent.

Commenting on the development, the Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Curtiss Dakpogan, stated that this presents an opportunity to provide a higher level of service to customers. “Our customers place a premium on the service we provide for them, and we, in turn, are poised to consistently improve our delivery levels. Hence, this investment. We are looking to increase our daily productivity to reflect our vision as a company determined to offer world-class maritime efficiency”.

Observing as the crew safely fasten the vessel carrying the cranes alongside, the Head of Legal and Compliance for MPS, Mr. Frank Ebo Brown, described the cranes as a testament to MPS’ leading role as a Green Port. “At the core of MPS lies a high regard for creating a safe and conducive work environment. These cranes run on electricity because we align with the sustainable development goals that encourage all to contribute to sustainable environments. While productivity is attended to, we further reduce our carbon footprint, ensuring that future generations are secured. The cranes are designed for operations on today’s largest container vessels and will be electrically powered instead of using diesel generators, contributing to an improvement in the environment”.

Mr. Emmanuel Ohene-Addo, the Operations Manager, extended heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed shareholders for their commitment to investing in MPS, which in turn positively impacts the entire nation of Ghana. He emphasized the profound significance of their continuous support, recognizing that it not only fuels our growth but also contributes significantly to the advancement of Ghana as a whole.

In his address, Mr. Ohene-Addo conveyed the collective enthusiasm within the operations team about the imminent expansion of our workforce. He spoke of the team’s eager anticipation to welcome and integrate the incoming team members. He highlighted the team’s commitment to not only train but also provide a seamless onboarding experience to ensure that the newcomers swiftly become valuable assets to our team. This approach aligns with our mission to maintain and enhance our operational excellence.

“THE BEST IS GETTING BETTER”!

The forthcoming expansion project aims to elevate the port to unprecedented heights, marking a milestone in Sub-Saharan Africa’s port industry. Mr. Samara, endorsing the power of a bold approach, highlights how MPS has embraced this initiative and continues to set the pace. Certainly, for port users and stakeholders, the future is promising, with the CEO of MPS affirming that at MPS “WE CONNECT, YOU THRIVE“.

“THE BEST IS GETTING BETTER”

Visit by the managing directors/representatives of the Shipping Lines in Ghana